Current:Home > MyThis Valentine's Day, love is in the air and a skyscraper-sized asteroid is whizzing past Earth -MoneyBase
This Valentine's Day, love is in the air and a skyscraper-sized asteroid is whizzing past Earth
SafeX Pro View
Date:2025-04-09 11:31:10
It's Valentine's Day, meaning love is in the atmosphere and a giant space rock is expected to pass by just outside of it. Well, maybe not that close, but still pretty close – 4.6 million kilometers or roughly 2.86 million miles – to be more precise.
The asteroid, named 2024 BR4 by NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), is loosely estimated to measure between 140 and 300 meters, or 459 and 984 feet in diameter, which is taller than most skyscrapers. Due to its size, it has been deemed "potentially hazardous" by NASA.
Here's what to know about the celestial event.
We're not the only ones with an eclipse:Mars rover captures moon whizzing by sun's outline
When will asteroid 2024 BR4 pass by Earth?
Asteroid 2024 BR4 will pass by Earth on Feb. 14, 2024, around 11:00 UTC.
What is asteroid 2024 BR4?
See a video:NASA tracked a stadium-size asteroid that passed by Earth but was not a threat
The asteroid was first observed during the automatic Catalina Sky Survey in January and was soon after determined to be about 12 million kilometers, or 7.5 million miles, from Earth. It has since approached Earth steadily but is not expected to pass any closer than 4.6 million kilometers, which is still relatively close: a little less than twelve times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
2024 BR4 is believed to be part of a group of asteroids called Apollo, which has an orbit that sometimes overlaps with Earth's. Despite the group's closeness to our planet, scientists don't anticipate any significant impact threat for a few centuries.
Should we be worried about the asteroid?
While the object is traveling through space at about 9.86 kilometers per second, NASA has assured there is no threat of collision. With a tracking system that has recorded 33,000 near-Earth objects, the organization keeps close tabs on all observable space bodies that get a little too close.
This Valentine's Day is the closest this specific space object will get to Earth for the next 120 years, meaning we can rest assured that this asteroid, at least, isn't out to get us anytime soon.
veryGood! (52837)
Related
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Israel warns about Lebanon border hostilities: The hourglass for a political settlement is running out
- Lori Vallow Daybell guilty of unimaginable crimes
- Bradley women's basketball coach Kate Popovec-Goss returns from 10-game suspension
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- China’s manufacturing activity slows in December in latest sign the economy is still struggling
- American democracy has overcome big stress tests since the 2020 election. More challenges are ahead
- Lions insist NFL officials erred with penalty on crucial 2-point conversion
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Maine state official who removed Trump from ballot was targeted in swatting call at her home
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Announces Surprise Abdication After 52 Years on Throne
- South Korea’s capital records heaviest single-day snowfall in December for 40 years
- Olympic host country France sees less New Year’s Eve disorder as it celebrates 2024’s arrival
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Kirk Cousins leads 'Skol' chant before Minnesota Vikings' game vs. Green Bay Packers
- Up First briefing: Life Kit has 50 ways to change your life in 2024
- 2024 NFL draft first-round order: Carolina Panthers hand Chicago Bears the No. 1 pick
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Kyler Murray throws 3 TD passes as Cardinals rally past Eagles, disrupt Philly’s playoff path
On her 18th birthday, North Carolina woman won $250,000 on her first ever scratch-off
See Martha Stewart's 'thirst trap' selfie showcasing luxurious nightgown
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
Australians and New Zealanders preparing to be among first nations to ring in 2024 with fireworks
What's open on New Year's Eve? Stores, restaurants and fast food places ringing in 2024 with open doors.
Lions insist NFL officials erred with penalty on crucial 2-point conversion